Lefty's Pizza Kitchen Information

If you're ever in the mood for a cozy, delicious slice of pizza with a laid-back vibe, Lefty's Pizza Kitchen in Wilmette is the place to be. Nestled at 1156 Central Ave, this charming local gem serves up some of the most mouthwatering pies you'll find in the area. Whether you're dropping by for a quick lunch or grabbing a casual dinner with friends, this spot feels like the perfect neighborhood hangout with a lot of heart.

The menu here is a wonderful mix of classic and creative pizzas, offering everything from a straightforward Margherita to more adventurous options like their signature barbecue chicken pizza. Each pie is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference with every bite. The crust is thin yet chewy, crisping up nicely without being overly crunchy. It’s the kind of crust that holds up well to toppings but still has that melt-in-your-mouth quality. If you’re feeling a little more daring, the specialty pizzas are a hit, like the spicy sausage and pepper combo, which packs just the right amount of heat.

Beyond pizza, Lefty’s also has a selection of appetizers and sides that are perfect for sharing. Their garlic knots are a standout, soft and fluffy on the inside with a perfectly golden exterior. Paired with marinara sauce, they're an ideal start to your meal. The salads here are fresh and vibrant, providing a nice balance to all the cheesy, savory goodness of the pizzas. And for dessert? Their cannolis are a must-try. Sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of crispy, they end the meal on a satisfying note.

The service at Lefty's is always friendly and welcoming, making it clear that they take pride in creating a great experience for their guests. The staff is attentive without being overbearing, and they’re happy to offer recommendations if you’re unsure about what to try. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a warm, inviting feel that makes it easy to unwind, whether you’re dining solo, with family, or on a date.

For those in Wilmette and the surrounding areas, Lefty's Pizza Kitchen is a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal that feels both comforting and indulgent. The prices are reasonable, the food is consistently great, and the cozy setting makes it a local favorite. If you haven't been yet, it's definitely worth checking out.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

Lefty's staff is very friendly and helpful they make sure you feel welcome and unhurried. The pan pizza is phenomenal with a great selection of toppings. Similar to Burt's and Pequod's but conveniently in the North shore. But lefty's dough to cheese and sauce ratio is so much more on point then Pequods and Burts. 100% recommend!

Great pizza restaurant in the heart of downtown Wilmette. You can order pan or thin and they have a wide variety of appetizers and salads. Their selection of local brews and wines is also very nice. The staff is excellent and super friendly. They have seating inside or outside and on a nice night, I’d definitely recommend outside. If you’re just not feeling the going out vibe, order in! They deliver and you can swing by for fast pickup.

Been getting pizza from Lefty’s for years and it never disappoints. We’re big pizza snobs and have had both Pequods’ locations along with Burt’s. But Lefty’s, with their rendition, comes out on top. They cook the pies to perfection and the toppings, along with everything else, are very high quality.

Usually do carry out and the pizza is great. Nice staff and top notch people. Love their community involvement as they continue to support our huge Super Bowl Sunday Blood Drive at Saints JFX in WIlmette.

We were in Chicago for a week traveling from California and decided to stop and eat at Lefty’s. We were not expecting much but we were blown away by the pizza we ordered! By FAR the BEST pizza we’ve had in our lives. Our server was an older gentleman but he was so kind and made sure we were well taken care of. We’re seriously considering making another trip out to Chicago just to try this pizza again. I was kind of heart broken to find that there isn’t a location in CA. I would definitely recommend this dinner to anyone!

Delicious. Carmelized deep dish crust. The crusty deep dish edges are on purpose, it's packed with amazing flavor! Very attentive service. Really good buttery thin crust too.

A family favorite. Pan pizza with caramelized crust (similar to Pequod's). Quality ingredients and toppings. If the Highland Park location hadn't closed, we would get this much more often

Lefty's in the best in town. Skip Lou's and get the Italian Beef and Giardinara from here. Fresh tomato sauce is sweet with the perfect blend of I-talian seasoning. They missed the beef on our order and made it right! Good people, better food, great neighborhood joint.

Lefty's Pizza Kitchen